PRIs to get Mining Rights through Short Term Permits

The Administrative Council (AC), which met here under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor, G C Murmu, approved the amendment of Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016.
The amendment will enable the grant of Short Term Permits to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) on land up to 1 hectare, till 30th September 2021. It also exempts PRIs from payment of advance royalty to the Geology and Mining Department before commencing mining.
The Administrative Council further allowed the Department of Geology and Mining to apply and secure clearances like Mining Plans, Environmental Clearance, and Consent to Operate, from the Competent Authorities on behalf of the Panchayats.
The decision is aimed at empowering PRIs to raise funds through mining surpluses and address a shortage of key construction material in the local market, besides keeping a check on their prices.